Summary
For decades, theFinal Fantasyseries has featured some of the best narratives in gaming, but they’re really all linear. There are pros to this — like the strong narrative focus, cinematic setpieces, and consistent character development. However, that also means less replayability and limited player freedom. Now, as non-linear narratives continue to become a popular form ofstorytelling in RPGs, there remains a case for what will presumably be the next mainline installment in theFinal Fantasyseries,Final Fantasy 17, to experiment with a narrative that allows players to have more direct influence over the story’s progression and its ultimate outcome.
Proposing the idea thatFinal Fantasy 17should experiment with non-linear storytelling is bound to be a controversial one, but as the series continues to prove its willingness to stretch its own boundaries (especially with the release ofFinal Fantasy 16), going in that direction wouldn’t be too out of pocket for it. IfFinal Fantasy 17were to experiment with non-linear storytelling, it wouldn’t have to be aSkyrim-level sandbox that is completely open-ended, as it could still funnel every path into a compelling and memorable story that fits right in withFinal Fantasy’s greatest. This would increaseFinal Fantasy 17’s replayability and allow players to feel like they are not just witnessing aFinal Fantasystory unfold but that they are also an integral part of it.
Why Final Fantasy 17 Could Benefit from a Non-Linear Narrative
A Non-Linear Narrative Would Increase Final Fantasy 17’s Replayability and Player Freedom
The biggest way a non-linear narrative would benefitFinal Fantasy 17is that it would increase replayability and player freedom. Most modernFinal Fantasygames either launch with a New Game Plus mode or add one later, which allows players to play through the story again with the items and equipment they’ve obtained and their character level intact. Unfortunately, whileNew Game Plusdoes encourage subsequent playthroughs, players are still experiencing the same story they’ve already seen, thereby giving each of these installments somewhat superficial replayability.
IfFinal Fantasy 17were to experiment withnon-linear storytelling, it could also include a New Game Plus mode for when players beat the game, but they would then be allowed a fresh opportunity to make different narrative-altering decisions throughout the game. This would then make subsequent playthroughs unique and offer an authentic degree of replayability that the New Game Plus mode of pastFinal Fantasygames has shied away from embracing.
Square Enix’sOctopath Travelerseries fully embraces non-linear storytelling, showing the developer’s willingness to let players have more control over its narratives, so it could easily apply that same approach toFinal Fantasy 17.
A Non-Linear Narrative Could Enhance Final Fantasy 17’s Relationships
Like the originalFinal Fantasy 7, theFinal Fantasy 7 Remaketrilogyhas employed affinity mechanics that have an impact on the story, withFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthrelying even more on these mechanics than the original game and its predecessor. Throughout the game, the player’s choices — like dialogue options, completing specific side quests, and regular interactions with characters — affect the affection levels between Cloud and his companions, which can lead to certain narrative events unfolding.Final Fantasy 17could open itself even more to affinity mechanics such as these, potentially even tying them to the outcome of the overarching story rather than just smaller narrative beats.
IfFinal Fantasy 17were to experiment with non-linear storytelling, it could also include a New Game Plus mode for when players beat the game, but they would then be allowed a fresh opportunity to make different narrative-altering decisions throughout the game.
In short, whileFinal Fantasyhas done an excellent job of deliveringstrong, character-driven narratives, giving players more agency in shaping those stories could take the series to another level. Affinity mechanics, branching paths, and more meaningful choices wouldn’t detract from the series' signature storytelling. Instead, it could enhance it by making each playthrough feel like a truly personal journey. If Square Enix wants to pushFinal Fantasyforward while still respecting its narrative legacy, experimenting with non-linear storytelling inFinal Fantasy 17may be the best way to do it.
